Interview of the
Grand Sheikh of al-Azhar with the CEO of LibForAll Foundation:

Extremism is Alien to Islam

BY ALAAAMERTuesday,
22 Jumadil Awal 1429/27 May 2008

Al-Azhar University
is an extremely important institution. Everyone who cares about Islam,
whether Muslim or non-Muslim, comes to al-Azhar to obtain clarification
regarding various important concepts within the teaching of Islam, or to
request the support of this vital institution.

In the context of fulfilling such needs, His
Excellency the Grand Sheikh of al-Azhar, Dr. Muhammad Sayyid Tantawi
answered various questions posed by C. Holland Taylor, the CEO of
LibForAll Foundation, a nongovernmental organization which cares deeply
about Islam and Muslims. The foundation strives to express, clarify and
widely disseminate a true understanding of Islam not only to
non-Muslims, but also to Muslims in general. LibForAll aims to present
the moderate and tolerant face of Islam, and explain the importance of
[Muslims] returning to the essence of Islamic teachings which, until
now, have been poorly understood by many groups [both in Islam and the
West].

When asked his opinion about the actions of Muslims that violate the
teachings of Islam, the Grand Shaykh replied that this constitutes a
gross error which stems from Muslims' own lack of knowledge and
understanding of Islam, and the importance of good acts in keeping with
its teachings. In fact, within Islam, good acts [towards others] are no
less important than the act of worshipping God Himself.

The Grand Shaykh also explained that Islam
absolutely does not compel one to engage in “extreme behavior” (tasyaddud),
either through thought or the observance of religious law. Islam also
does not incite violent behavior towards non-Muslims. On the contrary,
[a true understanding of] Islam compels Muslims to behave in a mutually
supportive and tolerant manner towards those with different beliefs, and
not to disturb the religion or beliefs of others. In the opinion of the
Grand Shaykh, this is because “Islam provides freedom to everyone to
follow whatever religion they choose, without compulsion.”

In regards to the Islamic concept of “People of the
Book,” the Grand Shaykh explained that the people of the book are all
those whose faith is based on holy books (al-Kutub al-Samawiyah)
which were revealed before the Qur’an, such as the Torah and the New
Testament. The Qur’an also teaches the necessity of Muslims behaving
well towards people of the book. As the Qur’an states: “And do thou not
debate with people of the book, except to offer something better to
them.” In another verse, the Qur’an emphasizes, “Allah does not forbid
you to act kindly and justly towards [the people of the book], as long
as they have not expelled you from your homes.” The Grand Shaykh
stressed that this verse says that Muslims’ relationship with people of
the book must be based on the principle of kindness and mutual
assistance, as long as they do not disturb Muslims.

Taylor continued his questioning by asking about
the concept of jihad within Islam, especially the inner jihad (jihad
an-nafs) to overcome [the human impulse towards] immorality and sin.

In connection with the above issue, the Grand
Shaykh explained that jihad can only assume the form of war for two
causes. First, in order to defend religion, wealth, honor and one’s
nation. And second, to defend the persecuted. While the inner jihad,
in his opinion, represents the highest and most important form of
jihad. Through inner jihad, humans can develop kindness and obedience
[to God’s will], while vanquishing corrupt and evil tendencies [within
themselves].

In the course of its ongoing programs to promote [a
pluralistic and tolerant understanding of] Islam, LibForAll Foundation
recorded the interview conducted with the Grand Shaykh and will
broadcast [portions thereof] in various television programs in Europe
and America.